Parametric analysis of a helical-bladed vertical axis wind turbine

Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) present distinct advantages over their horizontal axis counterparts (HAWTs), in terms of their adaptability to challenging environmental conditions. This research centers on the optimization of VAWTs, specifically employing helical blades. In the initial phase, the study systematically explores two key phases of design adjustment: the manipulation of rotor diameter and blade length. By undertaking this comprehensive investigation, we aim to elucidate the profound impact of these design alterations on turbine performance. Our model incorporates NACA 0018 blades from the 4-digit series. The results of our investigation unveil compelling findings. The Cp-TSR ratio upsurges by almost 18% as the rotor radius increases from 1.44 to 1.68 C . Furthermore, an increase in blade length from 4.00 to 4.48 C results in a significant 10.5% rise in the Cp-TSR ratio. In the subsequent phase, this work encompasses both static structural and modal analyses. The static structural analysis evaluates the structure's behavior under static conditions, ensuring its structural integrity and performance under varying wind forces. Concurrently, modal analysis delves into the dynamic characteristics of the structure, with a particular focus on its natural frequencies and mode shapes, which are indispensable for assessing its response to dynamic loads.